With broken hearts we share the sudden passing of John on December 20, 2025. John was born on October 28, 1952, in Twello, Gelderland, Holland. He is survived by his wife Fay, sons Shawn (Alejandra), and Mark (Alison) and beloved grandchildren Isla, Paxton and Natalia. John is also survived by his brothers Gerry (Connie), Tony, Jim (Stacey), Paul and sisters Mary (Harold) Willers and Paula McGaw, brother-in-law Zane (Sandy) Pundyk. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews as well as the extended family in Holland, Arizona, Alberta and Saskatchewan. John was predeceased by his mother Theodora Verhagen, two fathers – Antonius Harleman and Jacobus (Jim) Verhagen, brother Peter, sister Dora and sister-in-law Lisa Verhagen.
Tributes, if desired, may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. #107 – 1001 Cloverdale Avenue, Victoria, BC V8X 4C9.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC V8Y 1B4.
Condolences may be offered to family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Verhagen” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
23 Responses
Dear Faye and family.
We were saddened to receive the news of John’s passing. We remember him as a hospitable man who maintained warm ties with his Dutch family. The hospitality we received at the start and end of our vacation trip to BC will remain with us forever. I also look back fondly on our encounters during my Canadian (business) trips, where we could catch up over a beer or a whisky. I wish you and the Verhagen family much strength in coping with this loss.
The Borden and Verhagen families have been neighbours for more than 50 years and we will remember John as a good neighbour. More than once John helped us out during haying season with the loan of equipment. His kindness and willingness to help was much appreciated. Our deepest condolences to all the Verhagen family.
Bruce Borden and family
Faye and family
John was a kind man, a man with such presence.
I always enjoyed my chats with him .
Leanna Eastgate
To Fay and family.
Jessie and I were saddened to read about John in the TC newspaper. We spent many happy years with him in the Fire Department, CS Municipal yard and the Lions club.
Our thoughts are with you.
Jessie and Gary Rogers
Faye, Mark, and family
We are so very sad to hear of John’s passing. He was such a hard worker and a great family man.
He greeted everyone with a smile and we were alway happy to see him and have a chat.
We fondly remember the times we spent at basketball games and Fire Department functions.
Our thoughts are with you.
Mike, Laury, and Dale Grimston
Beste Faye, kinderen, kleinkinderen, familie Verhagen en verdere dierbaren van John,
Onze innige en oprechte deelneming met het overlijden van John.
We herinneren hem als een warme joviale man met een goed gevoel voor humor. Toen wij in 2017 bij jullie kwamen, voelden we ons meer dan welkom bij jullie thuis.
In gedachten zijn we bij jullie. Heel veel kracht gewenst voor de komende tijd.
Hartelijke groeten,
Sjaak en Marjolein de Jong
Met Oprechte Deelneming
Een paar woorden van TROOST
bij dit moeilijke afscheid.
Een paar zinnen voor wat STEUN
in deze zware tijd.
Maar er zijn haast GEEN WOORDEN.
die het gemis kunnen beschrijven.
en die wat TROOST KUNNEN GEVEN
aan degene die nu achterblijven’.
EN TOCH …..
Een paarwoorden voor wat WARMTE
oprecht en uit het hart
Een paar woorden van TROOST
misschien geeft dit wat kracht !!!!!
Hopelijk vinden jullie VEEL kracht, troost en steun van elkaar en jullie dierbaren.
VEEL STERKTE GEWEEST!!!!!
groetjes,
Anneke de Jong ( nico )
Dear Fay and family, we are so sorry to hear of Johns passing.We have wonderful memories of the times we spent at your home with the basketball parents. John was a funny, kind and giving man who has definitely had an amazing impact on the people in his life.
Wendy and Ollie Moilanen
I first met John at Claremont High School in 1970 and we became friends. He was hard working, generous and funny. We spent close to a year together travelling in Europe and it was there that John introduced me to his family in Appledoorn and he got to meet my family in Orleans. Over the years, we lost touch with each other and led our separate lives, but I will never forget him. My deepest condolences to Faye and family.
Condolences to all the Verhagen family and everyone that knew John. He was an amazing person and our connection started when we were in 4h with Shawn and Mark. A memory that is still so vivid was at the old fairgrounds and John would haul the animals there in the back of his truck. The memories kept building from there he always had a smile and a great attitude. I had the pleasure of getting hay from him every year so we had time to visit. I cant believe his is gone. Was going to visit this winter but missed the opportunity. He was a special person and will be missed by so many people. So sorry to all the family for your loss. Sending hugs to you all ❤️